Description

Located in the northwest corner of Illinois, approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Chicago near the Wisconsin and Iowa borders. The Galena Territory is a semi-private, residential, recreational and resort community near the historic city of Galena. Designed to maximize the rugged terrain of the surrounding area, The Galena Territory’s 6,800 acres boast spectacular vistas, valleys, prairies and woodlands, and harbor rare plant and bird species found nowhere else in Illinois.

The Galena Territory Association, Inc., also known as the GTA, is the common interest community association that was established to own, manage and preserve the 1,900 acres of common properties and recreational amenities for the enjoyment of property owners and their guests. The Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa are located on approximately 775 acres in The Galena Territory and the balance of the property is held by the individual property owners and the 8 Satellite Associations that comprise the GTA.

The Galena Territory Association

Vision

The Galena Territory is a premier lifestyle community – sought-after, welcoming, and exceptional for living, working, visiting and enjoying. 

Mission

We responsibly steward our resources, guided by our core values, to serve our members, strengthen our community, and bring our vision to life. 

Core Values

Act with integrity. We treat all members with respect, and act in the best interests of our community

Communicate Effectively. We communicate openly, clearly, and in a timely manner. 

Honor Our Governance. We follow our governing documents and applicable laws in all decisions. 

Own Our Roles. We take responsibility for our decisions, actions and results. 

Preserve Our Environment. We protect natural resources and common properties through responsible planning and action. 

Protect our Lifestyle. We sustain a peaceful, welcoming and inclusive community. 

Galena Trading Corporation 

The Galena Trading Corporation (GTC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Galena Territory Association (GTA). The GTC provides property management services for the eight separately incorporated townhouse and condominium associations within The Galena Territory. Services include, but are not limited to, daily operations management, accounting, general maintenance, lawn care and pool management. The Executive Director of The Galena Territory Association also serves as The Executive Director of the Galena Trading Corporation. 

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

Completely independent, but closely aligned, the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is a public entity that sits in The Galena Territory. The resort has 80 guest rooms, 150 homes and villas, 15,000 square feet of event space, a full service spa, a variety of dining options, a country store and 63 holes of golf. 

The Galena Territory Foundation

The Galena Territory Foundation (GTF) is a nonprofit corporation that provides education-based and fundraising activities for the benefit of the local community. Organized by property owners within The Galena Territory in 2000, the Foundation focuses on three primary initiatives – the Belden School, the Lend-A-Hand Scholarship Program and The Richard Peterson EMT Endowment Fund. All property owners in The Galena Territory are also members of the Galena Territory Foundation.  The Executive Director assists the GTF administratively in accomplishing its goals. 

The Galena Territory Association Facts

Ownership:                                         Member Owned and Controlled 

Board Size:                                         Nine (9), Three (3) Year Terms

Committees:                                        Association, Twelve (12); Foundation, Three (3)

Total Acres:                                        1,900

Total Properties:                                 3,272 Properties; 1794 Single Family Homes, 483 Multi-Family Homes, 995 Unimproved Lots

Residency Status:                                790 Full Time, 1487 Part-Time and Vacation 

Short-Term Rentals:                           Approximately twenty-two percent (22%) of dwellings are short-term rental properties with guest accommodation licenses 

2026 Operating Budget:                     $8,502,744

Team Members:                                  46 Full Time Members, 15 Part Time/Seasonal Team Members            

Direct Reports: 

• Riding Center Manager
• Maintenance Operations Manager
• Natural Resources Manager
• Compliance Manager
• Communications Manager
• Finance Manager
• Satellite Community Manager

Security:                                               Security Patrol, not armed

Roads:                                                   Owned and Maintained by Township

Contracted Services:                             Lawn and Landscape Maintenance 

Website:                                                www.thegalenaterritory.com

The Galena Territory Association Facilities:

o   Shenandoah Riding Center

o   Full Service Year Round Stables

o   Boarding

o   Rides

o   Lessons

o   24 Trails

        Lake Galena (225 acres) and Marina

        Thunder Bay Falls

        Trails-32 miles

        Owners Club Complex

o   Fitness Center

o   Locker Rooms

o   Indoor Pool

o   Gym 

o   Seasonal/Snackbar with Indoor and Outdoor Seating

o   Outdoor Pool with Double Slide and In-Pool Seating Area

o   Zero-Entry Wading Pool with Bubblers and Frog Slide

o   Business Center

o   Wireless Internet

o   Tennis Courts

o   Basketball Court

o   Recreation and Social Events 

o   Game Room

The Position:

The Executive Director of The Galena Territory Association and the Galena Trading Corporation is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Association, working with a nine member Board of Directors that sets policy for the Association. They will have a passion for Association Management and have experience with shaping and enhancing community association operations. The ideal candidate will understand and strive for superior service and exceptional standards of quality to deliver excellent Property Owner experiences. An eye for detail is critical, as is an eye for the future. 

A hands-on approach, visibility in the Community, along with building relationships are key attributes for the Executive Director. The Executive Director will often represent the Association in the community and will exhibit the highest level of personal and professional conduct both within and outside the Association.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications for the New Executive Director:

• Five plus years of community association management experience 
• Active Professional Community Association Management (CMCA and PCAM and/or MCM) credentials. 
• Experience with community services, staffing and staff management (including compensation and benefits), access controls, public safety and security, emergency preparedness, insurance, strategic planning, replacement reserve plans, records management/retention and applicable legal services. 
• The ability to closely monitor financial performance, proactively identify opportunities for improvement and implement appropriate measures to ensure achievement of established goals and benchmarks. 
• Solid track record with leadership in financial planning, budgeting, cost and efficiency management, resource/vendor management, contract negotiation and reserves management and investment strategies. 
• Demonstrated “hands-on” experience in managing community infrastructure and facilities. 
• Understanding of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including non-profit requirements. 
• Experience working and coordinating with local government officials. 

Key Characteristics Desired for the New Executive Director:

• Has strong operational knowledge, balances a “hands-on” approach with an appropriate level of delegation and knows how and when to be a coach and mentor.
• Strong, energized, respectful, competent, approachable dynamic leader. 
• Passion for the position with a positive, thoughtful demeanor.  
• Has an inclusive and participatory style that concludes with clear and concise direction to Team Members and is followed-up by establishing goals/timelines and holding Team Members accountable for performance.
• Will effectively represent the Association to public agencies and other external entities.
• Is a good listener and facilitator; is diplomatic and has a calming effect on people; can say “no” without offending.
• Understands the value of effective communication and has the ability to oversee a proactive approach to communicating with the membership. Must also have experience in training staff on the importance of timely communication and conflict resolution. 
• Radiates personal warmth, sincerity, empathy and caring towards residents and guests.
• Brings a track record of achieving goals and has a “can do” positive attitude.
• Has a solid work ethic and high integrity, follows through on commitments, has common sense and does not take things personally.
• Responsive rather than reactive.
• Progressive management and leadership practices leading to promoting a positive, engaging and competent service culture.
• The successful candidate will maintain a transparent and collaborative relationship with the Board, providing timely operational and financial reporting while proactively identifying opportunities and addressing challenges.  

Initial Priorities for the New Executive Director: 

• Gain a working knowledge of the Association’s governing documents. 
• Get a firm grasp on the Association budget, financials and strategic plan. 
• Get to know Key Association Members and Team Members as quickly as possible, engaging them in a sincere and enthusiastic manner. 
• Begin to develop a working relationship with the Resort.
• Meet individually with each Member of the Board of Directors to determine how the Executive Director can best serve the policy setting arm of the Association. 
• Meet with Local Government Officials to establish channels of communication. 
• Begin the process of CAM licensing with the State of Illinois. 

Additional Candidate Qualifications and Experience:

The expectation is that the integrity of the Executive Director is foremost and that they will provide innovative, visionary and strategic leadership to the Board of Directors, Committees, Association Members and Team Members. They will be capable of recognizing and proactively anticipating trends and relevant impacts to The Galena Territory Association. 

The successful candidate will ensure that The Galena Territory Association is consistently striving to provide the best programs and service in the area, continually enhancing GTA’s overall position in the Northwestern Illinois market. 

A college degree and certification as a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) and/or a Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) and/or a Master Community Manager (MCM) are preferred with five plus years’ experience in association management or an equivalent field. Salary Range: $150,000-$200,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Association will provide typical CAI/CMIA benefits and offers an excellent benefit package. The Board will consider entering into a multiple year Employment Agreement with the successful candidate. Prospective Executive Director Candidates should email a resume and a detailed cover letter addressed to the Search Panel outlining how they align with the above noted qualifications and expectations for the position to the following:   

Jeffrey M. Evans

Management Matters, LLC

6302 Route 191, PO Box 529

Mountainhome, PA 18342

[email protected] (Email)

570.350.3550 (Phone)

Note:   Kindly respond no later than August 4, 2026. Zoom interviews and In-Person interviews will follow. A decision is expected by August 21, 2026. Target date for the New Executive Director to be on-site is September 21, 2026.